Presented on the birthday of Brazil and Inter Milan legend Ronaldo, 20-year-old striker Gabigol was reminded about O Fenômeno’s time at the club.
Gabigol heard the name of Ronaldo several times on Thursday, but he ran away from any comparison with the importance that the legendary striker has at the club. Gabigol said that he’s not the main player of the squad and expressed his happiness in joining the “biggest team in Italy.” He said: “I don’t like comparisons. I’m Gabriel and I want to make my story in this great team. It’s a great team, have a great crowd, and I know the great investment they made for me, so I want to make my story and don’t want to be compared with anyone.”
The name of Ronaldo was quoted even before Gabigol came to the stage. CEO of Inter’s sponsor, Marco Tronchetti Provera said: “It’s a special day. The last Brazilian I presented was Ronaldo. So there’s no pressure, Gabriel!”
Ronaldo was not the only Brazilian mentioned during the presentation. Júlio César, Maicon and Lúcio, a part of the treple winning squad in the 2009-10 season, were also cited. Gabigol added: “Of course they had a great spell, but it’s another era, another story. They’re idols, mine too. What Gabriel can do is to honour Inter’s shirt. Like Zanetti did, always killed it on the field, he gave everything until the last minute. Of course I want to win titles, I want to score goals, but with my teammates. I’m not the main player of the team, we have other great players. I hope to make history with Icardi, with Miranda, with Felipe Melo.”
Gabigol then talked about his decision to choose Inter Milan, and revealed that he turned down an astronomical offer from China. He said: “Inter has always been my first choice. There were great teams behind me, which made me very happy, but when we spoke with Inter, we understood the new project. I really want to help and also learn. Want to take Inter, along with my teammates, to the Serie A title and return to the Champions League. I talked a lot with Coutinho and Miranda in the Seleção before coming here, they spoke highly of the group. I learned that Ronaldo wished me good luck, the message came to me. I’m really looking forward to the debut and I hope it happens soon.”
“We had a Chinese offer, with an astronomical money, but I wanted to play in a great team and I’m at the biggest team in Italy. Sunday I was in the stadium and I was impressed with the crowd. Inter have great attackers. We have Éder, there’s Icardi who’s our biggest idol. No wonder he’s our top scorer. I hope to work with all, play with Mauro and help him become the top scorer.”